BAYERN Munich have stepped up their efforts to sign want-away Manchester United striker Ruud van Nistelrooy.

The German club have made an improved offer for the 30-year-old hitman but are still some way short of United's #15m valuation.

Van Nistelrooy returned to training with Manchester United this morning with his future at Old Trafford still in the balance.

Red Devils boss Sir Alex Ferguson has indicated he would like to find a replacement for the Dutchman before he allows him to leave.

Bayern's honorary president Franz Beckenbauer said today: "We are still five million euros (#3.4million) away from Manchester United's valuation, but the chances are still high (of signing Van Nistelrooy)."

Bayern Munich are preparing to offload a striker should the transfer go through, with Roy Makaay or Claudio Pizarro the most likely to be sold.